Vacuum nozzle tool including outer race

ABSTRACT

A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid from surfaces includes a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber wherein the chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as to enhance water flow therethrough, the nozzle body also having a vacuum source connector in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit, and the nozzle body also having a hard outer bottom surface and defining a plurality of vacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the bottom surface. The vacuum nozzle also includes at least one injection member, wherein the at least one injection member is configured to inject a fluid below the nozzle body, whereby the nozzle, when connected to a suction source is placed on a saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through the ports and chamber to the vacuum source.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/805,036 filed Mar. 25, 2013 titled “Vacuum Nozzle Tool IncludingOuter Race,” which application is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to nozzles or suction heads for a surfacecleaning apparatus. Specifically, the present exemplary system andmethod relates to a suction device including a raceway extraction windowconfigured to facilitate inspection of the extracted cleaning fluid andwater.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of nozzles or suction heads for vacuum cleaners andvacuum apparatus are well-known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 1,000,383issued Aug. 15, 1911, to O. Drake for “Shoe for Vacuum Cleaners” shows avacuum nozzle or shoe for a vacuum cleaner. This nozzle includes aninterior vacuum chamber and a bottom plate with slots or openingstherein. The slots include stock or wedding, apparently to prevent dirtfrom dropping back through the slots when the vacuum cleaner is notrunning. U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,361, issued Mar. 21, 1995, to K. Cason for“Vacuum Cleaner for Submerged Non-Parallel Surfaces” discloses a vacuumpool cleaner with a nozzle having an open bottom face. U.S. Pat. No.2,280,751, issued Apr. 21, 1942, to H. Davis for “Vacuum Cleaner Nozzle”discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle having a plurality of slots in abottom plate opening through the plate into a relatively deep vacuumnozzle chamber leading directly to the vacuum hose. The nozzle isintended for dry vacuuming, being provided with an electrostatic bottomplate.

However, traditional nozzles fail to provide the ability to flush cleanan area while removing fluids from under the carpet surface.Furthermore, traditional nozzles fail to provide the ability to monitorand inspect the fluid and water being removed.

SUMMARY

The present exemplary system is embodied in an efficient vacuum nozzlefor removing liquid from a surface which may be almost any surface.According to one exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary system isconfigured for use on carpeting and particularly well on paddedcarpeting.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a nozzle or suction head can beformed by a nozzle body defining an internal, enclosed vacuum chamber. Avacuum source connector is in fluid communication with the chamber andis adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit or hose.

The nozzle body also defines an outer bottom surface and a plurality ofvacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the nozzle body'sbottom surface. As such, when the nozzle is connected to a vacuumsource, its movement across a water or fluid saturated surface effectsremoval of water therefrom through the ports and chamber to the vacuumsource.

Each port preferably has a throat portion opening into the chamber and aconical outer enlarged portion opening into the bottom surface.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the nozzle body including thevacuum suction ports includes a fluid injector cleat that is selectivelyretractable into the nozzle body. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the selectively retractable fluid injector cleat can beextended to inject fluid into a soiled area at or below the backing ofthe carpet to prevent the forcing of stain material into the backing andpad of the carpet while maintaining a constant upward flow of cleaningsolution.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the nozzle body including thevacuum suction ports forms a perimeter suction chamber that is sealedwith the exception of a plurality of vacuum suction ports. The perimetersuction chamber defines a center port that is not in direct fluidcommunication with the suction chamber, but rather is configured toprovide an area for flushing a cleaning fluid into a desired surface tofacilitate cleaning thereof, whether by gravity feed or forced pressure.The flushing provided in the center port may be provided by any numberof fluid delivery systems or nozzles. In one embodiment, the flushingmay be provided in the center port by one or more fluid injector cleatsthat are selectively retractable such that they may provide cleaningfluid either above the carpet or below the backing.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, which may be combinedwith one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments, the vacuum nozzledefines an outer pathway or view-path that directs the flow of water andcleaning fluid towards the vacuum source. At least one section of theview-path includes a raceway extraction window that is transparent,allowing a user to visually inspect the flow rate, color, andconsistency of the fluid being extracted from the carpet and sub-surfacelayers. The view-path may, according to one exemplary embodiment, belocated in an area of the vacuum nozzle that is subject to lowerhydro-turbulence than that located in the rest of the nozzle, therebyenhancing the ability to visually inspect and analyze the extractedfluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a nozzle or suction head embodyingthe present invention with a portion cut away for clarity.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the nozzle or suction head embodying thepresent invention head shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the nozzle or suction head shown inFIG. 1 with a portion cut away for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of another nozzle or suction head of thepresent invention with a portion also cut away for clarity.

FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of the nozzle or suction head including anumber of injector cleats, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5B-5C is a bottom view and a side view, respectively of aninjector cleat, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the present nozzle or suctionhead in operation, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the present nozzle or suction head, accordingto one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the present nozzle or suction head, according toone exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the present nozzle or suctionhead in operation, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the present nozzle or suctionhead, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of a nozzle or suction head including aflush clean orifice defined by the suction chamber, according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a nozzle system according to oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the nozzle system of FIG. 12, accordingto one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are top and bottom views, respectively, of a housingbase, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are top and bottom views, respectively of a housingupper, according to one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present exemplary system provides an improved nozzle or suction head10 finding particular but not necessarily exclusive utility for rapidlyremoving standing water from floors, particularly carpeted floors,following either accidental flooding or purposeful flooding, i.e. watersaturation, for spotting and cleaning purposes. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the nozzle 10 is formed as a hollow body 11 havingan upper plate or wall 12, a bottom plate or wall 14, and side walls 15defining a shallow, enclosed vacuum or suction chamber 16. The bottomplate 14 defines a plurality of suction ports 18 opening into the bottomsurface 19 of the nozzle 10. As used herein, an enclosed vacuum orsuction chamber 16 may be a single enclosed orifice or may be aplurality of interconnected runs or chambers fluidly connected.

According to one exemplary embodiment, suction is applied to the suctionchamber 16 via a vacuum source connector such as a suction sleeve ortube 20 that opens through a port 21 in the top plate 12 and receives aninserted end of a suction wand, tube, hose or conduit 22 connected to avacuum or suction producing and water collecting apparatus (not shown).As such, the vacuum source connector is in fluid communication with thechamber, thereby enabling a vacuum to be established in the chamber whena vacuum hose is attached to the connector and the vacuum source, i.e.suction producing apparatus, is activated. While the vacuum sourceconnector is described herein as being formed on the top plate 12, it isunderstood that the vacuum source connector may be placed in any numberof locations on the exemplary system.

The suction ports 18 are defined, according to one exemplary embodiment,by a throat portion 24 opening into the water chamber 16, and a taperedor cylindrical counterbore 25 opening into the outer surface 19 of thebase plate 14.

To facilitate moving the nozzle or suction head 10 across a surface suchas carpet 26 against the friction forces between the carpet surface 26and the suction head surface 19, a handle 28 or set of handle supportingbrackets (not shown) is provided on the nozzle 10. Alternatively, thehandle may be incorporated as a part of the vacuum connector as shown inFIG. 4.

According to one exemplary use, the nozzle 10 is connected to a vacuumtube, wand, hose or conduit 22 by inserting an end thereof into theupwardly extending fitting tube 20 on the nozzle body 11. The vacuum andwater or solution collecting device (not shown but known to thoseskilled in the art) is turned on to provide a vacuum or suction, causingair to flow through the nozzle ports 18 in to the chamber 16. When thenozzle is applied to a water-soaked surface such as a carpet, water issucked through the ports 18 into the chamber 16 and then through theoutlet port 21 and tube 20 into the vacuum hose or tube through which itflows to the collection device. In this manner, water is rapidly andefficiently removed from the carpet and its padding 29 (or othersurface) by moving the nozzle 11 along the surface, using the handle 28to apply the necessary sliding force.

The nozzle may be constructed of any number of materials including, butin no way limited to, plastic, such as a high impact moldable plastic,polycarbonate for example, or a lightweight metal such as aluminum.Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the nozzle may beformed by a pair of spaced plates forming the upper and lower plates 12,14, joined by a hollow frame defining the side walls 15 and establishingthe depth of the chamber 16. The chamber 16 is of a size and depth suchthat it provides adequate suction and water flow, and of a depthsufficiently shallow to preclude collection of water therein.

The plates and side wall frame may be coupled together via any number ofjoining methods or processes including, but in no way limited to,welding, adhesive, fasteners, or by forming the system from a singlemold. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the platesand side wall frame may be coupled with any number of seals such as agasket or o-ring.

The nozzle 10 thus formed may be square, rectangular, elongated,circular, elliptical or the like. The ports 18 may be arranged thereonin any suitable pattern, including columns and rows, a randomarrangement, a spiral, concentric circles, or other appropriategeometric design. The outlet portion 25 of the ports 18 may be conical,semi-spherical, cylindrical or any other appropriate shape orconfiguration. According to one exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface19 of the nozzle into which the suction ports 18 open is relativelysmooth and free of projections in order to permit the suction device 10to be readily moved across the surface of the carpet or floor withoutbiting into the carpet or floor 18. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the outlet portion 25 of the ports 18 are expanded andorganized such that they overlap, forming an undulating or irregularbottom surface.

The suction hose receiving sleeve or tube 20 on the upper plate 12 ofthe nozzle or suction head 11 may be at any position thereon, and may beeither perpendicular or at an angle to the surface of the upper plate12. The handle 28 may be short or long, or a bracket may be provided forattaching a long or short handle to the nozzle.

In one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the nozzle or suctionhead is formed of high impact plastic such as thermoplastic resin, withsquare upper and lower walls of 8 inches by 8 inches and a thickness of½ inch. The side wall forming spacer, according to the exemplaryembodiment, has a thickness of ½ inch and provides a chamber of a depthof approximately ½ inch. The edges or corners of the nozzle materialsare rounded in order to present catching and dragging on carpet. Whenthe nozzle is formed of plastic material, a liquid glue or solvent canbe utilized to securely fasten the pieces together in vacuum-tight andwatertight relation. Vacuum water collecting sources suitable forattachment to the nozzle include any wet/dry shop vac, any portablecarpet cleaning machine and any truck mounted carpet cleaning machine assuch are known to those skilled in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the nozzle or suction head may beutilized to remove spots or stains on carpeting by purposefully floodingthe stained area with water and stain remover, allowing the water/stainremover solution to set for a period of time (30 seconds to 72 hours)which is sufficient to saturate the stained area of the carpet, and thenvacuuming the liquid from the carpeting and its padding (or othersurface particularly fabrics as discussed above) with a nozzlepreferably embodying the present configuration.

The stain remover may be of a type for removing the particular stainbeing treated. For example, if pet or urine stain is to be removedsuitable stain removers include Nature's Miracle available from Pets andPeople, Inc. of Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. and Aqua Pet Zymeavailable from Innovative Products of Englewood, Colo. These productscan be mixed with water or another solution in accordance with theproduct's instructions which when mixed provide the above water/stainremover solution.

It has been observed that a nozzle constructed as described above iscapable of removing approximately 98 percent of the solution utilizedfrom the carpeting and doing it very quickly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present system andmethod, at least 50% of the solution is vacuumed out of the carpeting,preferably between about 70 and 98%. In addition and as alluded toabove, the method of the present exemplary system and method is capableof quickly removing solution from the carpeting (including the padding).Indeed, it has been found that (depending on the thickness and densityof the carpeting and padding) 70% or more of the water or solution canbe removed (or vacuumed) from the carpeting (including the padding) atrates of less than two minutes per square foot. Less than one minute persquare foot is also easily achievable. In fact, if the vacuum source isstrong enough (for example, similar to that provided by a truck mountedsystem known to those skilled in the art) rates of less than 30 secondsper square foot have been found to remove up to 98% of the liquid fromthe carpeting and its padding.

Vibration devices such as a rotary head device known to those skilled inthe art may be applied to the nozzle to enhance water extraction.Further enhancement of water extraction can be obtained by making thedevice large and strong enough to allow a user to stand on it. Thisincreases pressure on the carpet which enhances liquid removal. FIG. 4illustrate another nozzle 110 of the present exemplary system and methodwhich is similar to nozzle 10 of FIGS. 1 through 3 except that handle 28and suction connector sleeve 20 have been replaced by a single suctionhandle 128. As will be appreciated, suction handle 128 serves as, i.e.provides the functions of, both handle 28 and connector sleeve 20.

FIG. 5A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present suctionhead. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the nozzle body 11 including the vacuumsuction ports 18 forms a suction chamber that is sealed with theexception of a vacuum port on the chamber and the nozzles 18. The bottomof the outer surface 19 of the suction chamber is illustrated with aplurality of injection cleats 500 disposed thereon. According to thisexemplary embodiment, the injections cleats 500 are fluidly sealedwithin the suction head 11 such that their presence does not impact orreduce the vacuum created within the nozzle 10 by the suction sleeve ortube 20. According to the present exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5A, the injector cleats 500 are configured to provide a method forintroducing a cleaning and/or flushing fluid onto a soiled area withoutforcing dirt or a stain into the backing and/or padding of the carpetwhere its removal becomes more difficult. Additionally, as describedbelow, the present exemplary injector cleats 500 are configured toenhance the stain lifting ability of the suction head 11 whileoptimizing flow of the injected cleaning and/or flushing fluid.

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom view of the injector cleat 500, accordingto one exemplary configuration. As illustrated, the injector cleat 500includes a center spray orifice 510 and a plurality of chamfers in thesidewall of the injector cleat 500 forming channels 520. As illustratedin FIGS. 5B and 5C, the inclusion of the channels 520 in the sidewall ofthe injector cleat 500 creates a side nozzle component of the sprayorifice 510. FIG. 5C also illustrates the cleat cap 530 of the injectorcleat 500.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5C and FIG. 6, the injector cleat500 includes an angled sidewall approaching a point at the spray orifice510. According to one exemplary embodiment, the point created at thespray orifice 510 is sized to pierce and pass through the carpet backing630 such that any cleaning and/or flushing fluid introduced will beintroduced directly into the pad 620 and sub-floor 610. Alternatively,the converging walls of the injector cleat 500 terminate at the spraynozzle 510. The converging walls cause the injector cleat 500, whenpushed into the carpet fiber 640 to pass through the carpet fiberplacing the spray orifice 510 directly against the carpet backing 630.

According to one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, thepresent exemplary injector cleat 500 is configured to inject cleaningand/or flushing fluid beyond the backing of a soiled carpet withoutdriving the components of the stain into the backing and pad where theybecome more difficult to remove. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6,the present exemplary injector cleat 500 also has a side spray componentin order to provide cleaning and/or flushing fluid to the carpet fibers640 themselves without driving contaminants in a downward direction.According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least partial saturationof the carpet fibers 640 with cleaning and/or flushing fluid performs anumber of functions. First, partial saturation of the carpet fibers 640is advantageous in that it extends the vacuum created by the suctionsleeve or tube 20 downward by preventing air to flow through the fibersto circumvent the lift provided by the vacuum. Rather, the vacuum isextended downward to lift contaminants from the backing and padding ofthe carpeted surface.

Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the partialsaturation of the carpet fibers 640 by the injector cleat 500 isperformed in a lateral direction rather than a downward direction.Consequently, any contaminants or stain components that are saturated bythe cleaning and/or flushing fluid of the present exemplary system aredriven laterally rather than driven downward into the carpet backing andpadding, as is done by traditional systems, where they can be moreeasily removed by the suction head 11.

According to one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6, thepresent exemplary system and method allow for the introduction of thecleaning and/or flushing fluid for the removal of stain componentswithout flooding the carpeted surface of the soiled location.Specifically, when a soiled area is flooded with cleaning and/orflushing fluid in preparation for removal of the stain components, theflooding process does two things. First, the application of theflooding/flushing fluid to the surface of the carpet drives thecomponents of the stain further into the backing, padding and sub-floor,where the stain components become more difficult to remove. Secondly,the traditional flooding method of flooding a soiled area with cleaningand/or flushing fluid in preparation for removal of the stain componentscauses a radial migration of the stain components. That is, uponflooding of an area with flooding/flushing fluid, the fluid is going tobe absorbed in a radial direction from the location of introduction onthe carpeted surface. With the radial dispersion of theflooding/flushing fluid, the stain components are also dispersedradially. Consequently, the traditional method of flooding a soiled areaoften results in the soiled area becoming larger prior to attempts toremove the stain.

In contrast to traditional flooding methods, as illustrated in FIG. 6,the use of the injector cleat 500 prevents a driving of the staincontaminants further into the carpet backing 630, the pad 620, and thesub-floor 610 by creating a generally upward fluid flow 600 of theintroduced cleaning and/or flushing fluid. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 6, cleaning and/or flushing fluid is introduced to the soiled areaby the injector cleat at a location adjacent to or below the carpetbacking 630. Due to this positional introduction of the cleaning and/orflushing fluid, horizontal spray of cleaning and/or flushing fluid fromthe injector cleat 500 will tangentially engage the carpet fiber 640 andany stain components without driving them further into the carpetbacking 630 or pad 620. Once saturated in the carpet fiber 640, thevacuum source 610 can then impart an upward force on the staincomponents, thereby removing them from the carpet fibers. Similarly, thespray orifice 510 emits a downward component of the cleaning and/orflushing fluid. As the injector cleat 500 is directly adjacent to orbelow the carpet backing 630, no stain components are transferred downfrom the carpet fiber 640 to the backing 630. Rather, the downwardcomponent of the cleaning and/or flushing fluid sprayed through thespray orifice 510 of the injector cleat 500 is injected directly intothe carpet backing 630, pad 620, and sub-floor 610 of the desired area.Once injected, the cleaning and/or flushing fluid is then acted upon bythe vacuum source 610 and drawn up to the suction head 11. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, this configuration results in an overall upwardflow of cleaning and/or flushing fluid toward the vacuum source 610,thereby maximizing the flow of the cleaning and/or flushing fluid up andaway from the sub-floor 610.

FIG. 7 illustrates additional components of the present exemplary nozzle10 configuration, according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustratedin FIG. 7, the exemplary configuration includes the injector cleats 500formed in the bottom surface of the suction head 11 along with the ports18. Additionally, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, a plurality of foot pads 700 are formed on the sides of thesuction head 11. According to the illustrated embodiment, the foot pads700 may be foldable about the housing of the suction head 11 such thatthey may be retracted when not in use. When extended, a user may use thefoot pad 700 to introduce a downward force on the nozzle 10 when in use.The addition of a downward force provides sufficient force to introducethe injector cleats 500 through the carpet fibers 640 and to the carpetbacking 630. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodimentdescribed below with respect to FIG. 10, the foot pads 700 may be usedto actuate the selective extension of the injector cleats 500.

Continuing with FIG. 7, a pump base 710 is formed on the top surface ofthe suction head 11. According to this exemplary embodiment, the pumpbase 710 is formed to include a plunger or pump source 720 formedthereon. According to this exemplary embodiment, the plunger or pumpsource 720 is fluidly connected to the injector cleats 500 to providecleaning and/or flushing fluid to the injector cleat 500. As illustratedin FIG. 7, the pump base 710 forms a three contact point configurationwith the foot pads 700. This three point configuration adds stability tothe nozzle 10 configuration by preventing a user from falling orotherwise tipping when operating the nozzle.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a top view of the exemplary nozzle 10configuration shows a number of fluid lumens 800 coupling the plunger orpump source 720 to the injector cleats 500. As illustrated, duringoperation, when a user desires to actuate the injector cleats 500, thecleats are extended and inserted into the desired location of thecarpeted surface. Once inserted, the user may stand on the foot pad 700providing a downward force on the system, thereby forcing the cleats 500into or directly adjacent to the carpet backing 630. A user may thenactuate the plunger or pump source 720, either by, for example,actuating an electric pump or by forcing a plunger down, to forcecleaning and/or flushing fluid through the fluid lumens 800 and into theinjector cleats 500.

Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 9 illustrates the operation of the presentexemplary nozzle 10, according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown,the injector cleat 500 is positioned at least adjacent to the carpetbacking 630. When actuated, the cleaning and/or flushing fluid is forcedhorizontally into the carpet fibers 640 and downward into the carpetbacking 630, pad 620, and sub-floor 610. The cleaning and/or flushingfluid is then acted upon by the vacuum source 610 through the ports 18such that the fluid flow 600 is substantially upward from the sub floor610 to the top of the carpet fiber 640. This configuration enablesmaximum efficiency in removing stain particles, odors, and fluids byimparting an upward force by the vacuum source 610 at the most effectivepositions since particles, odors, and fluids are not forced downwardprior to extraction.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the present exemplary nozzle10, according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown, the injector cleats500 coupled to the fluid lumens 800 are disposed within the suction head11. According to one exemplary embodiment, the injector cleats aremaintained in their retracted position by a plurality of biasing springmembers 1010 that impart an upward force on the injector cleat 500 whennot in use. According to this exemplary embodiment the injector cleatdoes not interfere with normal use of the suction nozzle 10 wheninjection is not desired. Additionally, FIG. 10 illustrates a pluralityof o-rings or other fluid tight sealing members 1020 surrounding theinjector cleats 500 at the surface of the suction head 11. According toone exemplary embodiment, the plurality of o-rings or other fluid tightsealing members 1020 are configured to form an airtight seal around theinjector cleats 500 when not in use. Consequently, the integrity of thesuction head 11 is maintained, allowing for maximum efficiency of thevacuum ports 18. FIG. 10 also illustrates an injector coupling structure1000 structurally coupling the foot pad 700 with the injector cleats500.

According to this exemplary embodiment, when a user steps on the footpad 700, the downward force imparted by the user onto the foot pads 700is transferred via the injector coupling structure 1000 to the injectorcleats 500 such that the injector cleats overcome the spring force ofthe biasing spring members 1010 and extend from the suction head 11 toat least the backing of the carpeted surface. According to thisexemplary embodiment, the plurality of o-rings or other fluid tightsealing members 1020 maintain a fluid tight seal about the perimeter ofthe injector cleats 500 in all positions.

According to the present disclosure, the exemplary suction nozzle 10configurations have been described by way of example only. It will beunderstood that many modifications may be made to the teachings of thepresent exemplary system and method. For example, according to oneexemplary embodiment, the extension and retraction of the injectorcleats 500 may be performed by actuation of any number of mechanismsincluding, but in no way limited to, a roller, a dial, and the like.Alternatively, the incorporation and functionality of the injectorcleats 500 may be incorporated into the suction nozzle as shown above,or may be added as a retrofit attachment. Alternatively, the injectorcleat system may be a stand-alone configuration independent of thesuction nozzle.

FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the presentexemplary suction head. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the nozzle body 11including the vacuum suction ports 18 forms a perimeter suction chamberthat is sealed with the exception of a vacuum port on the chamber andthe nozzles 18. The outer surface 19 of the suction chamber defines acenter port 1100 that is not in direct fluid communication with thesuction chamber, but rather is configured to provide an area forflushing, whether by gravity feed, forced pressure, or injection cleats,a cleaning fluid into a desired surface to facilitate cleaning thereof.As illustrated in FIG. 11, a number of nozzles 1110 may be placed in thecenter port to selectively force fluid, such as water or a cleaningsolution, onto a surface to be cleaned. While the present exemplaryembodiment is illustrated with pressure forced nozzles being placed inthe center port 1100, any number of fluid flushing devices orconfigurations may be used including, but in no way limited to, agravity fed delivery system, a pressurized delivery system, asub-surface injection cleat, and the like. Additionally, while thecenter port 1100 is illustrated as an open orifice containing nozzles1110, the center port may also be an area on the outer surface 19without nozzles 18 or other means for imparting a suction force in thecentral area of the system.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, chemicaland/or water are allowed to flow into the center port 1100, as directedby the operator. Selective distribution of the liquid may be performedby a regulator, a trigger device, a mechanical metering device, and thelike. Alternatively, water may be allowed to freely flow through thecenter port 1100.

As illustrated, any fluid that is distributed through the center port issurrounded on the perimeter by the perimeter suction chamber includingthe nozzles. Consequently, the present exemplary configuration allowsfor a flush flood clean while under a vacuum condition. Consequently, astain or pet odor that exists on a surface to be cleaned is flushedfully from the problem area without allowing the cleaning fluid or waterto seep into other areas of the carpet, matting, or other surface. Notonly does this exemplary configuration improve the level of cleaningthat is achieved by the suction head, but also decreases the clean timebecause the head is more efficient at removing an undesired stain orodor with fewer passes of the tool. Additionally, contrary totraditional systems, the present exemplary configuration allows for petodor removal and stain removal to be performed with a single device.Furthermore, the present configuration prevents the stain materialand/or pet odor from being driven into the carpet pad, only tore-surface later. Rather, regardless of the direction the operator movesthe suction head, any fluid flushed into the surface will be passed overby and removed by a nozzle in a vacuum state.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

According to one alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 12-15B, asuction head 1200 including a handle 1230, a housing base 1210, and atransparent upper housing 1220. As illustrated in the exploded view ofFIG. 13, the suction head 1200 includes the housing base 1210 definingthe lower surface of the suction head. Disposed between the housing base1210 and the transparent upper housing 1220 is an outer gasket 1310 andan inner gasket 1320. According to one exemplary embodiment, the outergasket is compressibly sandwiched between the housing base 1210 and thetransparent upper housing 1220. When compressed in this position, theinner volume of the suction head 1200 is fluidly sealed and creates avacuum channel between the vacuum suction ports 18 and the suction tube20. The outer gasket 1310 may be disposed between the housing base 1210and the upper housing 1220 by any number of methods including, but in noway limited to a compressive interference fit, adhesives, fasteners,molding, or any combination thereof.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 13, an inner gasket 1320 isdisposed between the housing base 1210 and the transparent upper housing1220. When disposed in this position, a fluid raceway 1400 or channel isdefined between the inner gasket 1320 and the outer gasket 1310. Theinner gasket 1320 may be disposed between the housing base 1210 and theupper housing 1220 by any number of methods including, but in no waylimited to a compressive interference fit, adhesives, fasteners,molding, or any combination thereof.

Continuing with FIG. 13, the upper housing 1220 is then fastened to thehousing base 1210 with the inner gasket 1230 and the outer gasket 1310disposed therebetween. Once assembled, the handle 1230 is then securedover and onto the upper housing 1220 by passing the suction tube 20through an orifice defined by a first end of the handle 1230. A secondend of the handle 1230 is then fastened to the upper housing 1220 by anynumber of fasteners including, but in no way limited to, an adhesive,fasteners, interlocking mating features, and the like. Once assembled, anumber of features defined in the housing base 1210 and the housingupper 1220 establish a channel for fluid, contaminants and cleaningsolutions to be both transported to the suction tube 20, while allowingfor visual inspection of the flow.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the housing base 1210 includes araceway 1400 or channel fluidly separated from the vacuum suction ports18 defined by an inner wall 1420 and an outer wall 1430. As illustratedin FIG. 14A, the inner gasket 1320 is positioned on the inner wall 1420and the outer gasket 1310 is positioned on the outer wall 1430 tofluidly seal the raceway 1400. As shown, fluid extracted from a surfacewill pass through the vacuum suction ports 18 and into the inner chamberdefined by the inner wall 1420. Once introduced to the inner chamber,the fluid will be drawn to the diverter 1440 which introduces the fluidto the raceway 1400. As the fluid is passed through the raceway 1400,the fluid is separated from the turbulence of the chamber and becomesless turbulent, and in some embodiments, is nearly laminar. As the fluidnears the suction tube 20, the raceway 1400 elevates up a ramp 1405 toan elevated plateau 1410 that introduces the fluid to the suction tube20.

The laminar flow of the fluid in the raceway 1400 allows for better andmore accurate evaluation of the fluid introduced in the raceway.Consequently, a user may more accurately determine if sufficient fluidhas been injected and removed from a soiled area, by inspection of thefluid.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the housing upper 1220 that includes a top1500 and a bottom 1520. As shown, a number of fastener orifices 1510 areformed in the top surface to allow for the passage of fasteners throughthe housing upper 1220 to the housing base 1210, thereby securing theassembly of the tool. Additionally, a raceway outlet ramp or incline1530 is formed in the housing upper 1220 corresponding to the exit ramp1405 of the housing base 1210, facilitating the entry of the extractedfluid into the suction tube 20.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the housing upper includes araceway extraction window, including at least a portion of the surfacethat is transparent, allowing the user to inspect the flow of fluidcontained in the raceway 1400. In one exemplary embodiment, the entirehousing upper 1220 is transparent to allow for a visual inspection ofthe fluid being extracted from the desired surface or sub-surface.

In summary, the view-path or raceway 1400 is positioned at a point orarea that is subject to “less” hydro-turbulence, thus providing animproved visual reading or analyses of the amount and color of moisturebeing extracted from the “sub-surfaces” of a fibrous or pourus surface.According to one exemplary embodiment, this “View-Path” area does notinclude a hose as might be used to connect a separate or free-standingvacuum source to the Sub-Surface Extraction device. Conversely, it wouldinclude a connecting hose if the vacuum source and the Sub-SurfaceExtraction devise were integrated into one unit

While certain illustrative embodiments of the present exemplary systemand method have been shown in the drawings and described above indetail, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit theexemplary system and method to the specific form disclosed. On thecontrary, the system and method is to cover all modifications,alternative constructions, equivalents and uses falling within thespirit and scope of the system and method as expressed in the appendedclaims. Such modifications could include, for example, slit shaped,slot-like or oval shaped ports or any other shape providing good waterextraction.

What we claim is:
 1. A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid from surfaces,comprising: a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamberwherein said chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as to enhancewater flow therethrough, said nozzle body also having a vacuum sourceconnector in fluid communication with said chamber and adapted toreceive a vacuum source conduit, and said nozzle body also having aouter bottom surface and defining a plurality of vacuum suction portsopening between said chamber and said bottom surface; and at least oneportion of said vacuum chamber separated from said vacuum suction ports;and a transparent portion of said nozzle body configured to allow visualinspection of fluid contained in said at least one portion of saidvacuum chamber.
 2. A vacuum nozzle as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidvacuum source connector defines a outer surface which is sized andconfigured to serve as a handle for said nozzle.
 3. A vacuum nozzleaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one injection member isconfigured to inject said fluid into a carpeted surface below a surfaceof said carpeted surface.
 4. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 3,wherein: said carpeted surface includes fibers, a carpet backing, a pad,and a sub-floor; wherein said at lest one injection member is configuredto inject said fluid into said carpeted surface at said carpet backing.5. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 3, wherein: said carpeted surfaceincludes fibers, a carpet backing, a pad, and a sub-floor; wherein saidat lest one injection member is configured to inject said fluid intosaid carpeted surface below said carpet backing.
 6. A vacuum nozzleaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one injection member furthercomprises: a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein saidbody is defined by converging sidewalls converging from said distal endto said proximal end; and an injection orifice defined in said proximalend.
 7. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 6, further comprising atleast one chamfered channel formed on one of said converging sidewalls.8. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 7, wherein said chamfered channeldefines a side spray component of said injection orifice.
 9. A vacuumnozzle according to claim 6, wherein said injection member isselectively retractable within said chamber.
 10. A vacuum nozzleaccording to claim 9, further comprising: an injection orifice definedby said nozzle body, said orifice sized for the selective extension andretraction of said at least one injection member; a sealing membersealingly disposed adjacent to said injection orifice to fluidly sealsaid injection member at said injection orifice.
 11. A vacuum nozzleaccording to claim 10, further comprising at least one biasing memberdisposed between said injection member and an outer surface of saidnozzle body; wherein said biasing member maintains a retracted state ofsaid injection member until actuated.
 12. A vacuum nozzle according toclaim 11, further comprising: at least one foot pad coupled to a side ofsaid nozzle body.
 13. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 12, whereinsaid at least one foot pad is retractable.
 14. A vacuum nozzle accordingto claim 12, wherein said at least one foot pad is coupled to said atleast one injection member; wherein a force imparted on said at leastone foot pad is transferred to said at least one injection member toovercome said biasing member and extend said injection member.
 15. Avacuum nozzle according to claim 14, further comprising: a first and asecond foot pad; and a fluid pump source mount coupled to said nozzlebody, said fluid pump source mount having a fluid pump source disposedthereon; wherein said fluid pump source forms a triangle with said firstand second foot pad.
 16. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 15, furthercomprising at least one fluid lumen coupling said fluid pump source tosaid injection member.
 17. A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid fromsurfaces, comprising: a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuumchamber wherein said chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as toenhance water flow therethrough, said nozzle body also defining an uppervacuum source port opening into said chamber; a vacuum source connectoraffixed to said nozzle body and opening into said port and adapted toreceive a vacuum source hose; said nozzle body having a bottom platedefining an outer bottom surface; said bottom plate defining a pluralityof vacuum suction ports opening between said chamber and said bottomsurface, each said port having a throat portion opening into saidchamber and an outer enlarged portion opening into said surface; atleast one injection member disposed in said bottom plate, wherein saidat least one injection member is selectively extendable from said bottomplate and is further configured to inject a fluid below said nozzlebody; and a center port defined by said nozzle body, said center portbeing surrounded by said vacuum chamber and wherein said center port isnot in direct fluid communication with said vacuum chamber; wherein saidcenter port is in selective fluid communication with a flushing fluid;whereby moving said nozzle when connected to a suction source across awater saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through saidports and chamber to said vacuum source while enabling selectiveflushing of said surface.
 18. A vacuum nozzle as defined in claim 17wherein said outer portion of said suction ports is conical inconfiguration.
 19. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 17, wherein saidat least one injection member is configured to inject said fluid into acarpeted surface below a surface of said carpeted surface.
 20. A vacuumnozzle for removing liquid from surfaces, comprising: a nozzle bodydefining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber wherein said chamber is ofa size and shallow depth so as to enhance water flow therethrough, saidnozzle body also having a vacuum source connector in fluid communicationwith said chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit, andsaid nozzle body also having a outer bottom surface and defining aplurality of vacuum suction ports opening between said chamber and saidbottom surface; wherein said nozzle body defines a fluid port that isnot in fluid communication with said internal enclosed vacuum; and atleast one injection member, wherein said at least one injection memberis configured to inject a fluid through said fluid port; whereby saidvacuum nozzle, when connected to a suction source is placed on asaturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through said portsand chamber to said vacuum source.